Go for your J.D. and M.S. in Cultural Foundations of Education.

Syracuse University’s School of Education

The joint degree program in Law and Cultural Foundations of Education features a concentration in Disability Studies and offers students the opportunity to earn a J.D. and M.S. in Education. This program opens many doors but is particularly strong for pursuing a career in disability law.

Here's what you'll study

Students enroll in selected courses with Syracuse University’s School of Education, which is ranked among the best education graduate schools in the country. The joint degree program in Law and Cultural Foundations of Education features a concentration in Disability Studies and offers students the opportunity to earn a J.D. and M.S. in Education. Disability Studies applies legal, social, cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives to the study of disability in society.

This joint degree was the first of its kind in the nation. It will prepare you for a leadership role in the field of disability law and policy in such settings as federal and state government agencies, community service agencies, advocacy organizations, school districts, and law firms specializing in disability and/or education law.

Students may obtain the J.D. and M.S. in three years instead of the four necessary to earn both degrees independently.

Here's what you need to know

Syracuse Law is the primary school for students enrolled in a joint degree program at Syracuse University. For a joint degree in Education or Disabilities Studies, you will earn 72 law credits plus a minimum of 24 approved grad credits. Most joint degree programs may be completed in three years (six semesters) and, potentially, one summer. In all cases, both programs must be completed within four years.

Students seeking dual degrees must apply to both programs separately, and admission Syracuse Law does not guarantee admission to other graduate programs. Students are required to complete their first year of study at Syracuse Law and candidates for joint degree programs must obtain advance approval from Syracuse Law. The specific number of credits required for non-law graduate programs may vary depending on each student’s previous academic background in the subject area.

In addition, joint degree students are charged Syracuse Law tuition rates only, essentially offering the opportunity to earn two advanced degrees for the price of one.

Here's where you'll spend a lot of your time

There are significant advantages to tackling your law degree in an environment that’s integrated with a major university. Here are some of the places you’ll be spending your time as you pursue your studies. In your spare time? Well, there’s plenty of excitement to find here as well.

Syracuse University College of Law: A rich tradition in law and interdisciplinary legal studies.

Syracuse University’s School of Education: Committed to the principle that diverse learning communities create the conditions that both enrich the educational experience and provide opportunities for all to realize their full potential.

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“I chose Syracuse Law because of its strong national reputation, extensive alumni network, and the opportunities the University offers students. The school has a wide variety of joint degree programs, certificate programs, clinics, pro bono programs, and student organizations. Law students at Syracuse can essentially tailor a program to their interests rather than feeling limited or pigeonholed in their education. The professors are experienced, welcoming, and engaging, as are the alumni who are spread across the country and around the world. Classmates are friendly and supportive. Syracuse Law is committed to improving, especially as it prepares to start a new chapter in its history with the new law school building, Dineen Hall. All of these factors were important to me since law school marks a new chapter for me as well. As a non-traditional student who worked for 7 years prior to law school, Syracuse seemed like the complete package.”